Rising Stars in Banking 2016

Introducing our Rising Stars winners in the Banking category for 2016

Rachel Webster

Barclays

In 1985 I left school with limited qualifications and choose at the time a slightly different career path – against all odds in the mid 80’s I was accepted on a welding apprenticeship.

After 4 years as a ‘welder’ I felt I needed a new challenge and decided to join the army. I never thought when I walked through the Army Careers Office in 1989 that I would complete 24 years service and not only that but work my way up through the ranks from Private soldier to a commissioned officer, leaving as a Captain. I spent over 11 years deployed on operations; serving in NI, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

In 2013 it was time to hang up the combat boots and become a civilian – I started working in Barclays, initially supporting the military programme and more recently as a Business Manager.

I am single, no children but own a wonderful westie called Hamish – who is now in retirement and lives with my parents in Brigg, North Lincolnshire.

Khalia Newell

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Khalia recently became the Global Middle Office Risk and Control at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Before this, she was an AVP of Risk and Control at Barclays. Her unique journey into the world of Banking, outstanding contribution in Financial Services and extracurricular work in diversity and inclusion has earned her The Black British Business Rising Star Award in 2015.

When she isn’t mentoring the next generation of female talent, she spends time reading novels or watching TV programmes such as Scandal (where she tries hard to pretend she does not share the same mannerisms as Olivia Pope).

She is currently writing a book on problem solving and strategy in the workplace.

Luma Zitani

Barclays

Born and raised in Syria, Luma obtained her BA in Economics from Damascus University and worked as an Economist for two years while teaching Principals of Banking at the Commercial Polytechnic in Damascus.

In 2003, Luma won the UK’s FCO Chevening Scholarship to complete her master’s degree in the UK at Cass Business School.

Luma joined BACB, a London-based bank in 2004 where she rotated between the Front Office relationship team, Trade Finance operational area and the Risk Management team.

In 2012, Luma left BACB to join Barclays Plc where she continues to work today. She provides Subject Matter Expertise within Barclays’ Financial Crime function.

Luma is Member at the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment, has CISI’s Diploma in Investment Compliance and an ICA Diploma in AML with distinction.

She’s married and lives in Kent with avid interest in current affairs, foreign policy and photography.

Ebi Obode

RBS

Recognised as a Young Achiever by the Financial News Extra Mile 40; Ebi has built a reputation for her creativity, resourcefulness and commitment to effecting positive change.

Her current role involves the development, design and embedding of front office controls within the Corporate and Institutional Banking division. Ebi is also a chair of the Young Bankers Association within RBS and served on the Committee of the Focused Women’s Network to attract, retain and develop female talent.

She supports the RBS Early Careers team in their recruitment initiatives; getting involved in schemes such as National Careers Week and mentoring new joiners to the Business. Outside of work, she volunteers with charities such as Cancer Research UK and mentors University & School students.

She also hosts monthly networking events to encourage entrepreneurship, personal and professional development.

Lauren Garey

J.P. Morgan

Lauren Garey is a Private Banker at J.P. Morgan who focuses on advising female clients, predominantly entrepreneurs, executives and other women of influence. Lauren previously worked in Barclays’ US, UK and Asia Private Banks across Boston, London and Singapore. Lauren was recently awarded a coveted spot on Citywealth’s inaugural Future Leaders List.

Lauren started her career in microfinance with Fundacion Mujer in Costa Rica to provide female entrepreneurs with seed funding, authoring a report measuring the economic impact of microfinance in India, and ultimately creating a micro-fund to support small-scale businesses in Ghana.

Lauren graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Global Business Management from Babson College and holds RDR Level 4 qualifications. Lauren is a Trustee of Ubunye Challenge, member of the Ellevate Women’s Network, mentor for Angel Academe and the Social Mobility Foundation, board member of the Groton Women’s Network, and a passionate volunteer for microfinance initiatives.